SYPHILITIC PAROXYSMAL COLD HAEMOGLOBINURIA

Abstract
A case of congenital syphilis which presented with paroxysmal cold haemoglobinuria is described. The patient had aortic incompetence and the significance of this finding is discussed. The Coombs test was studied, and positive results appear to be due to interaction between antiglobulin serum and complement adsorbed on to the test cells, this adsorption being promoted by the cold antibodies.